DNA and protein oxidation

DNA and protein oxidation refers to the oxidative modification of cellular DNA and proteins, primarily by reactive oxygen species (ROS), peroxides, and free radicals. DNA oxidation results in lesions such as 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine, altering base pairing, gene expression, and increasing mutagenesis risk. Protein oxidation affects amino acids like cysteine and methionine, leading to reversible or irreversible modifications, protein unfolding, degradation, or altered function. These processes play major roles in genetic regulation, cell signaling, adaptation responses, cellular aging, and are implicated in many pathologies including cancer, neurodegeneration, infection, and cardiovascular disease. Oxidative damage of DNA and proteins is also a therapeutic strategy to kill pathogens or cancer cells, but is not a discrete molecular target like a receptor or enzyme.

Other names

DNA oxidationProtein oxidationOxidative DNA damageOxidative protein damage

Scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS); Enhancement or inhibition of DNA repair enzymes (e.g., OGG1 involved in repair of 8-oxoguanine lesions); Inducing oxidative stress